During the 1910-1945 occupation of Korea, all but 10 buildings (out of the original 330) on the palace grounds were razed and the Japanese General Government Building was built in front of the Joseon dynasty throne room.
In 1995, the Japanese colonial building was destroyed with explosives, despite protests from some including the Japanese government, citing its historical and architectural value.
As of 2009, 40 percent of the Gyeongbokgung palace has been restored to its original form.
